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A Taste of Talent will be held at Perona Farms on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency on Monday, April 30th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to sampling hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts from more than 50 area restaurants, patrons will be invited to bid on table arrangements created by several local designers. Each table may contain place settings for eight, art objects, and decorative items designed to highlight the evening’s theme, “Dinner at Tiffany’s.” The highest bidder will take home the contents of the entire table. Esteemed local designers who will be participating in A Taste of Talent include Patricia Bruterri, Sweet P.E.A.’s; Alicia Shearer, Alicia Shearer Interior Design; Holly George, Holly George Interior Design; and Jacky Murphey, Victory Frame Shop. A Taste of Talent will benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, a local non-profit agency specializing in services for low-income families in Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.

In addition to the table arrangements created by the designers, a curated list of exquisite items from Tiffany’s will be raffled; only 300 tickets will be available for purchase at a price of $50 each by calling Project Self-Sufficiency. The gift items include a sterling silver Paloma olive leaf pendant on a 30” chain, $495 value; a sterling silver open knot key with diamond on a 24” oval link chain, $500 value; a diamond point lead crystal pitcher with six double old-fashioned glasses, $640 value; women’s leather tote in silver grey, $1,450 value; a pair of yellow gold and diamond Schlumberger Lynn earrings, $2,800 value; women’s East West stainless steel watch, $3,500 value; and a yellow gold and diamond infinity double cuff bracelet, $5,900 value.

Patti Bruterri, owner of Sweet P.E.A.’s in Lafayette will be designing a table along with award-winning interior designer, Alicia Shearer. Bruterri notes that A Taste of Talent serves as an outlet for her creativity as well as a way for her to give back. “We are inspired by our community to use our creativity to support Project Self-Sufficiency.” “It is an honor to share in this celebration of Project Self-Sufficiency which has been serving families in our community for three decades,” adds Shearer.

Murphey, owner of Victory Frame Shop, adds that raising funds to assist Project Self-Sufficiency is important to her. “I enjoy the process, the event is a lot of fun, and I know where the money is going.”

“Year after year, this group of talented women have selflessly offered their creativity and vision in support of A Taste of Talent,” remarked Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are deeply indebted to them for their continuous support of the families served by Project Self-Sufficiency.”

“I am honored to have a part in making the annual Taste of Talent just a little more special,” comments George. “As a designer, I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of interpreting the year’s theme in a tablescape. I’m always anxious as the auction starts; but it’s a great thrill if my efforts realize more than I can personally afford to give as a straightforward donation. In my opinion, after 30 years of lending a hand up, Project Self-Sufficiency has gone beyond being an effective charitable organization; it is truly an integral part of our community.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is celebrating its thirtieth year of improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 25,000 families.

Raffle tickets can be purchased by calling Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500. Participants need not attend A Taste of Talent in order to purchase a ticket; only 300 tickets are available for sale at a cost of $50 each.

Select donation categories are available for A Taste of Talent, ranging from $500 - $30,000. A limited number of tickets for individual donations are available at a cost of $200. Perona Farms is located at 350 Andover-Sparta Road in Andover. To make a contribution to Project Self-Sufficiency, to obtain tickets to A Taste of Talent, or to find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500.

Photo Caption:

Jacky Murphey, Patti Bruterri and Holly George will be contributing their design skills to A Taste of Talent (not picture, Alicia Shearer).